Aluminium 5052

PRODUCT DATA
SHEET

Aluminium
Alloys

UNS A95052

Aluminium alloy 5052 contains nominally 2.5% magnesium & 0.25% chromium. It has good
workability, medium static strength, high fatigue strength, good weldability, and very good corrosion
resistance, especially in marine atmospheres. It also has the low density and excellent thermal
conductivity common to all aluminium alloys. It is commonly used in sheet, plate and tube form.
Typical Applications Architecture, general sheet metal work, heat exchangers.
Chemical Composition

Element
Aluminium
Magnesium
Chromium
Silicon
Iron

Aluminium Development Council

of Australia

Temper
O (annealed)
H32
H34
H36
H38

0.2% Proof
Stress, MPa
min
65
160
180
200
220

Tensile
Strength, MPa
170 215
215 265
235 285
255 305
270 min

Elongation
%
min
14 20
4 10
38
24
24

%
Balance
2.2 2.8
0.15 0.35
0.25 max
0.40 max

Element
Copper
Manganese
Zinc
Others, each
Others, total

%
0.10 max
0.10 max
0.10 max
0.05 max
0.15 max

Specified Mechanical
Properties
Aluminium Development Council
of Australia

For information only, proof stress is not specified or measured

except by prior agreement
Minimum elongation, actual value depends on thickness
thicker gauges have higher elongation

Key to tempers:
Temper
O
H1x
H3x

Condition
Annealed (soft)
Strain hardened only
Strain hardened and then stabilised (i.e. low temperature heat treated to pre-empt
natural ageing, by reducing strength and increasing ductility)
Second digit: (x)
8
full hard
4
hard
6
hard
2
hard

Description Aluminium 5052 is an aluminium magnesium alloy which can be hardened by cold
work: it is not heat treatable to higher strength. It is about mid way through the series of
aluminium magnesium alloys for alloying content and strength. It has excellent fatigue properties,
with an endurance limit of 115 MPa in the H32 temper and 125 MPa in the H34 temper.
Austral Wright Metals can supply this alloy as plate, sheet and strip. See Austral Wright Metals
Catalogue for normal stock sizes and tempers.
Corrosion Resistance 5052 has the same high resistance to general corrosion as other non heat
treatable aluminium alloys. It also has the higher resistance to slightly alkaline conditions common
to the 5000 series alloys. The resistance of 5052 to corrosion in marine atmospheres is excellent,
exceeding that of 5005, hence the frequent use of 5052 in marine applications.
The corrosion resistance of aluminium alloys relies on a protective surface oxide film, which when
damaged is readily repaired by the rapid reaction between aluminium and oxygen. However, the
high reactivity of the base metal can give rapid corrosion if the film cannot be repaired, so
aluminium alloys are not suitable for use with reducing media. 5052 can be anodised to improve
the corrosion resistance by thickening the protective surface film.

Aluminium Grade 5052

A95052
Since aluminium is a reactive metal, it may corrode more quickly when in electrical contact with
most other metals. The prediction of galvanic corrosion is complex; please consult Austral Wright
Metals for specific advice.
Pressure Vessels AS1210 Pressure Vessels and AS4041 Pressure Piping prequalify the alloy for
pressure service for temperatures up to 200oC.
Physical Properties
Property
Density

At
20oC

Melting Range
Modulus of Elasticity
Tension
Torsion
Compression

value
2,680

unit
kg/m3

607 650
20oC
20oC
20oC

Property
Mean Coefficient
of Expansion
Thermal Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Electrical conductivity
equal volume
equal weight

oC

69.3
25.9
70.7

GPa
GPa
GPa

at
20oC

Value
23.75

unit
x 10-6 / oC

25oC
20oC

138
0.050

W / m . oC
micro-ohm . m

20oC
20oC

35
116

% IACS
% IACS

Fabrication Aluminium 5052 is not generally hot worked. It is very readily cold formable in the
annealed condition, as it is ductile. Forming loads and tool & press wear are generally less than
with carbon steel. For piercing and blanking the punch to die clearance should be about 7% of the
thickness per side for the H32 & H34 tempers. Sharp tools are required.
Indicative minimum bend radii for 90o cold forming for various thickness, t mm
Temper
H32
H34

0.4
0t
0t

0.8
0t
1t

1.6
1t
1 t

3.2
1 t
2t

4.8
1 t
2t

6.4
1 t
2 t

9.5
1 t
2 t

13
2t
3t

Machinability 5052 is readily machinable by conventional methods. It should be machined at

high speed with copious lubrication to avoid thermal distortion of the workpiece. Sharp tools are
essential. High speed steel or tungsten carbide may be used. Cuts should be deep and continuous,
with high cutting speeds. Woodworking machinery may be suitable for short runs.
Welding 5052 is readily weldable by standard techniques. It is frequently welded with GTAW
(TIG) or GMAW (MIG). Aluminium must be very dry & clean to avoid contamination & porosity of
the weld. Filler metals 1100, 4043 or 4047 are used. 4043 is the most crack tolerant. Best colour
match is obtained with 1188 filler metal. Shielding gas must be dry & free of hydrogen.
Heat Treatment Aluminium 5052 is annealed at 345oC, time at temperature and cooling rate are
unimportant. Stress relief is rarely required, but can be carried out at about 220oC. If loss of
strength is of concern, stress relief tests should be conducted.
ASTM
Product
Specifications

Specification
B209
B316
B210
B483

Title
Aluminium and Aluminium Alloy Sheet and Plate
Aluminium and Aluminium Alloy Rivet & Cold Heading Wire & Rods
Aluminium and Aluminium Alloy Drawn Seamless Tubes
Aluminium and Aluminium Alloy Drawn Tubes for General Purpose Applications

300

15

H34

250
200

H32

5005

150
100
100

H32

Elongation, %

Tensile Strength, MPa

Typical strength and ductility of alloys 5005 & 5052 in the H32 & H34 tempers

5052

H34

150

200

250

0.2% Proof Stress, MPa

300

5052

H32
H32

10

5005

H34

H34

0
100

150

200

250

0.2% Proof Stress, MPa

300